Toy for rotating and launching an object and spraying water proximate the object

ABSTRACT

A toy comprises a housing connected with a launcher to rotate and launch an object. The launcher comprises a driving element to form a drive connection with a receiving element on the object. The launcher is connected with a launcher rotating system, which imparts a rotary movement to the launcher. When the launcher ceases to accelerate the object, the receiving element disengages from the drive connection and launches the object. In one aspect, the launcher rotating system is a gear train capable of being rotated by a gear rack pulled by a user. The toy also includes a water spray mechanism to spray water proximate the object to give the appearance of the object spraying the water.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a Continuation-In-Part application, claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,118, filed Jul. 14, 2005, entitled “Toy for Rotating and Launching an Object,” which is a non-provisional patent application claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/604,283, filed Aug. 25, 2004, entitled “Wheel Spinning Launcher and Wheel Toy.” The present application also claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/730,080, filed Oct. 24, 2005, entitled, “Rotating Wheel/Propeller Toy.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Technical Field

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching an object, and more particularly to a launching mechanism for rotating and launching an object that also includes a water sprayer for spraying water proximate the object.

(2) Description of Related Art

Toy launchers are well known in the art. Toys that accelerate and launch gliders, helicopters, cars, and parachutes are well documented. One method of launching a toy is through a rotary motion, often utilizing a gear system to turn a shaft that rotates the toy.

An example of one launcher disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,216, issued to Smith, III et al. (hereinafter “the Smith patent”). The launcher taught in the Smith patent uses a gear rack to drive a gear train and rotate a wheel that is mounted on a shaft. As the gear rack is withdrawn from the toy, a wheel ejector coupled to the gear rack pivots to force the wheel off of the shaft and launch the wheel.

The devices according to the Smith patent have several shortcomings, the first of which is the need for a separate mechanical ejector to release the wheel from the toy. In addition to adding to the cost to manufacture the toy, the wheel ejector device adds to the complexity of design of the toy.

Another shortcoming of the devices made according to the Smith patent is the possibility of causing injury to the user if the wheel is launched in the direction of the user. If the toy is particularly oriented, the wheel will rotate and launch toward the user, risking injury.

Therefore, a need exists for a toy launcher with a cost-effective launching mechanism built into the design of the toy and capable of preventing the toy from being launched in the direction of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned limitations and fills the aforementioned needs by providing a toy for rotating and launching an object having a water spray mechanism attached thereto. The toy comprises a housing with a launcher extending from the housing. The launcher is configured to impart a rotary motion to an object. The launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage a receiving element. The receiving element is attached with an object to form a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages the receiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, and wherein once the driving element ceases to accelerate the receiving element, the receiving element disengages from the driving element and releases the object from the drive connection. A launcher rotating system is mounted inside the housing and connected with the launcher. The launcher rotating system is configured to impart a rotary motion to the launcher. A water spray mechanism for spraying water proximate the object is affixed with the housing such that when the object is rotating, the object spins through the water to deflect the water. Additionally, the water spray mechanism can be formed to spray water proximate the object as it spins. In another aspect, the water spray mechanism is formed to spray the water proximate the object to give the appearance of the object spraying the water while the object remains dry.

In another aspect, the driving element comprises two substantially helical tabs extending in a parallel configuration from the shaft about an axis, the axis running substantially parallel to and substantially centered in the shaft, and wherein the receiving element of the object is similarly configured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward in parallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular to the rotational motion of the object, and wherein the two substantially helical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has an edge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving element and receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element rests flush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a drive connection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotate the receiving element.

In another aspect, the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed as matching and interlocking shapes, such that when the edge of the driving element is matched with the edge of the receiving element, an interlocking drive connection is formed.

In yet another aspect, the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed as a hook shapes, such that when the edge of the driving element is matched up with the edge of the receiving element, an interlocking drive connection is formed.

In another aspect, the launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable of rotating the launcher.

In another aspect, the series of interconnected gears and axles comprises an output axle connected with the launcher, the output axle coupled with an output gear, the output gear drivingly connected with an input gear on an input axle, the input axle connected with an input pinion, the input pinion in drivingly connected with a gear rack, said gear rack movably mounted in a guideway in the housing, said gear rack capable of moving to rotate the input pinion and thereby rotate the launcher rotating system.

In yet another aspect, the radius of the gears is selected to provide a desired input-to-output gear ratio.

Additionally, the water spray mechanism includes a water tank, a pump for pressurizing the tank, and an outlet proximate the launcher.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the disclosed aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective-view of a launcher system for launching a toy wheel, showing a wheel attached with the launcher system;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a driving element and a receiving element according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an object for launching according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the launcher rotating system and stopper mechanism according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective-view of a launcher according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a right side-view of a launcher system for launching a toy wheel;

FIG. 7 is a left side-view of the launcher system for launching a toy wheel;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the launcher system for launching a toy wheel;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the launcher system for launching a toy wheel;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the launcher system for launching a toy wheel; and

FIG. 11 is a back view of the launcher system for launching a toy wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching an object, and more particularly to a launching mechanism for rotating and launching an object that also includes a water sprayer for spraying water proximate the object. The following description, taken in conjunction with the referenced drawings, is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles, defined herein, may be applied to a wide range of aspects. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Furthermore, it should be noted that unless explicitly stated otherwise, the figures included herein are illustrated diagrammatically and without any specific scale, as they are provided as qualitative illustrations of the concept of the present invention.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents that are filed concurrently with this specification and are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Before describing the invention in detail, an introduction is provided to provide the reader with a general understanding of the present invention. Next, a description of various aspects of the present invention is provided to give an understanding of the specific details.

(1) Introduction

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching an object. More specifically, the toy includes a water spray mechanism for spraying water proximate the object such that when the object rotates, the water is sprayed to give an appearance that the wheel is spraying the water.

The launcher is formed to hold, rotate and release an object such as a toy wheel. A launcher with a pair of helical tabs extends from a shaft on the toy and interlocks with matching tabs on an object to mount the object on the shaft. In one aspect, a removable gear rack is pulled to rotate a gear train in the toy, which in turn rotates the shaft and the launcher, thereby rotating the object mounted to the launcher. When the launcher ceases to accelerate the object, the tabs of the object disengage from the launcher, launching the object forward. The launcher is configured to release the object in only one direction, and a stopper gear will prevent the toy from rotating the object in the direction of a user.

Additionally, the launcher further includes a water tank and water pump. The water pump allows a user to create air pressure within the tank which is used to dispense the water. The water can be sprayed proximate the wheel to simulate burning out in water when the wheel is rotated, with the water being deflected. In another aspect, the water is sprayed proximate the wheel so that it gives the appearance of the wheel spraying the water, while the wheel remains dry.

For purposes of clarity, the present invention will first be described in terms of the launching mechanism and operation. Next, the water spray mechanism will be discussed.

(2.1.1) Basic Operation

In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the toy 100 comprises a housing 102, a handle 104, a launcher 106, and a launcher rotating system (not illustrated) including a gear rack 108. The launcher rotating system is located inside the housing 102, and the launcher rotating system is drivingly connected with the gear rack 108 such that when the gear rack 108 is moved, the launcher rotating system translates the movement of the gear rack 108 into a rotary motion. The launcher rotating system is then drivingly connected with the launcher 106. When an object such as a wheel 110 is connected with the launcher 106, the launcher 106 rotationally accelerates the wheel 110 until the wheel 110 is released from the launcher 106 and propelled forward.

Although a gear rack 108 is shown in the aspect of FIG. 1, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the launcher rotating system can comprise a motor or other manually operated mechanism to cause the rotation of the launcher 106.

(2.1.2) Launcher Mechanism

The launcher functions to retain an object, rotate the object, and launch the object, without the need for a manual or mechanical release mechanism. In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the launcher 200 is mounted to an output axle 202 which is drivingly connected with the launcher rotating system (not illustrated). FIG. 2 illustrates the specific design of one aspect of the launcher 200, including a driving element 204. The driving element comprises two identical helical tabs 206A and 206B, which extend outward in parallel configuration from the output axle 202 about an axis, such that the axis is running parallel to and centered in the output axle 202. The edges 208A and 208B of each of the helical tabs 204A and 204B are formed into hook shapes.

FIG. 2 further illustrates how the helical tabs 206A and 206B of the driving element 204 are configured to interlock, as matching and interlocking shapes, with similar helical tabs 210A and 210B on a receiving element 212, the receiving element 212 connected with an object to be rotated (not illustrated). In particular, the hook-shaped edges 208A and 208B of the driving element 204 are configured to match up with the hook-shaped edges 214A and 214B of the receiving element, forming an interlocking drive connection. The interlocking drive connection allows a user to rotate the driving element 204 and the receiving element 212.

Once the interlocking drive connection is made between the driving element 204 and the receiving element 212, the user can pull the gear rack (not illustrated) to rotate the driving element 204 and thereby rotate the object connected with the receiving element 212. When the user pulls the gear rack to the point that it is no longer in contact with the launcher rotating system, the launcher rotating system ceases to accelerate the launcher 200 and the driving element 204. Once the driving element 204 ceases to accelerate the receiving element 212, the receiving element 212 disengages from the driving element 204 and releases the object from the interlocking drive connection. This is accomplished because once the launcher rotating system ceases to rotate the driving element 204, the rate of rotation of the driving element 204 decreases immediately. However, due to the object's inertia, the rotational velocity of the receiving element 212 decreases more slowly, and the object and receiving element rotate away from the driving element 204 and disengage from the interlocking drive connection.

Due to the design of the launcher 200 and specifically the helical tabs 206A and 206B of the driving element 204, the rotation of the launcher 200 will impart a rotation to the receiving element 212 only if rotated in a clockwise direction. If the launcher 200 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the hook-shaped edges 208A and 208B of the driving element will rotate away from the hook-shaped edges 214A and 214B of the receiving element 212 and disengage the interlocking drive connection without imparting any rotational motion to the receiving element 212.

In the aspect where the object is a wheel 110, the receiving element 212 is rotationally connected with the hub 218 of the wheel, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

(2.1.3) Launcher Rotating System

The launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles to impart a rotary motion to the launcher. In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the launcher rotating system 400 comprises an input axle 402 with an input pinion 404 and an input gear 406, where the input pinion 404 is drivingly connected with a gear rack 108. The launcher rotating system 400 further comprises an output axle 408 with an output gear 410, where the output gear 410 is drivingly connected with the input gear 406, and where the output axle 408 is connected with the launcher 200.

In one aspect, the gear rack 108 is movably mounted in a guideway in the housing 102. The gear rack 108 further comprises a handle for a user to easily grip and pull the gear rack 108.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that by changing the radius of the interconnected gears and input pinions of the launcher rotating system, a desired input-to-output gear ratio can be achieved. For example, the radius of the gears and pinions can be reduced to provide for a faster rotation output to the launcher, due to the fact that a given movement of the gear rack produces more revolutions of the gears and input pinions than are produced with a greater radius of the gears and input pinions.

Additionally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the gear mechanism described herein is for illustrative purposes and the invention is not intended to be limited thereto, as other gear mechanisms can be envisioned for spinning the toy wheel.

(2.1.4) Stopper Mechanism

An additional aspect of the toy is a stopper for preventing the object from rotating and launching in an undesired direction, e.g., in the direction of a user. In one aspect, illustrated in FIG. 4, the stopper 412 is rotationally attached to the output axle 408 of the launcher rotating system 400. The stopper 412 is formed with teeth 414 to interlock with the gear rack 108 and prevent the gear rack 108 from moving. The stopper 400 is rotationally configured such that when the user is operating the toy as designed, the stopper 412 does not interact with the gear rack 108. However, if the toy is oriented in a way such that a pull of the gear rack 406 would result in the rotation and launch of the object in the direction of the user, the stopper 412 rotates into a position in which it interlocks with the gear rack 108, thereby preventing the gear rack 108 from being pulled.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the stopper may consist of any mechanism designed to prevent the rotation and launch of the object in the direction of the user. For example, if the launcher rotating system comprises a motor, the motor may possess a device to detect a particular orientation of the device and thereby prevent the motor from operating in that orientation. Additionally, the stopper is an optional item and is not required for operation of the present invention.

(2.2) Water Spray Mechanism

As shown in FIG. 5, the present invention includes a water spray mechanism for spraying water into a wheel well 500. The water spray mechanism includes a water tank 502, a water pump 504, and an outlet 506. The water pump 504 is used to build pressure within the water tank 502 to expel water through the outlet 506. The outlet 506 is positioned within the wheel well 500 so that when water is expelled into the wheel well 500 and the wheel is rotated, the wheel spins through the water to further spray the water. In one aspect, the water pump 504 is also the handle that is held by a user when launching the object. For further illustration, FIGS. 6 through 11 illustrate left, right, top, bottom, front, and back views respectively. In another aspect, the outlet 506 is positioned to expel water onto the object as it spins, thereby allowing the spinning object to splash the water upwards. In yet another aspect, the outlet 506 is positioned to expel water proximate the wheel so that it gives the appearance of the wheel spraying the water, while the wheel remains dry. As a non-limiting example, the outlet can be positioned to spray water up and away from the wheel without any water falling back toward the wheel. 

1. A toy for rotating and launching an object, comprising: a housing; a launcher extending from the housing, the launcher configured to impart a rotary motion to an object, wherein the launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage a receiving element, the receiving element attached with an object to form a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages the receiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, and wherein once the driving element ceases to accelerate the receiving element, the receiving element disengages from the driving element and releases the object from the drive connection; a launcher rotating system mounted inside the housing and connected with the launcher, the launcher rotating system configured to impart a rotary motion to the launcher; and a water spray mechanism operable for spraying water proximate the object.
 2. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the driving element comprises two substantially helical tabs extending in a parallel configuration from the shaft about an axis, the axis running substantially parallel to and substantially centered in the shaft, and wherein the receiving element of the object is similarly configured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward in parallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular to the rotational motion of the object, and wherein the two substantially helical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has an edge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving element and receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element rests flush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a drive connection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotate the receiving element.
 3. The launcher of claim 2, wherein the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed as matching and interlocking shapes, such that when the edge of the driving element is matched with the edge of the receiving element, an interlocking drive connection is formed.
 4. The launcher of claim 3, wherein the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed as a hook shapes, such that when the edge of the driving element is matched up with the edge of the receiving element, an interlocking drive connection is formed.
 5. The toy as set forth in claim 4, wherein the launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable of rotating the launcher.
 6. The toy as set forth in claim 5, wherein the series of interconnected gears and axles comprises an output axle connected with the launcher, the output axle coupled with an output gear, the output gear drivingly connected with an input gear on an input axle, the input axle connected with an input pinion, the input pinion in drivingly connected with a gear rack, said gear rack movably mounted in a guideway in the housing, said gear rack capable of moving to rotate the input pinion and thereby rotate the launcher rotating system.
 7. The toy as set forth in claim 6, wherein the radius of the gears is selected to provide a desired input-to-output gear ratio.
 8. The toy as set forth in claim 7, wherein the water spray mechanism includes a water tank, a pump for pressurizing the tank, and an outlet proximate the launcher.
 9. The toy as set forth in claim 8, wherein the wherein the water spray mechanism is formed to spray water proximate the object such that when the object is rotating, the object spins through the water to deflect the water.
 10. The toy as set forth in claim 8, wherein the wherein the water spray mechanism is formed to spray water proximate the object to give the appearance of the object spraying the water while the object remains dry.
 11. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the water spray mechanism includes a water tank, a pump for pressurizing the tank, and an outlet proximate the launcher.
 12. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the wherein the water spray mechanism is formed to spray water proximate the object such that when the object is rotating, the object spins through the water to deflect the water.
 13. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the wherein the water spray mechanism is formed to spray water proximate the object to give the appearance of the object spraying the water while the object remains dry. 